Personal Style, Defined

Personal style is a nebulous concept. One thing is certain - you know great style when you see it. This is because style transcends clothing – it’s a vibe. Style is the energy of multiple subtle elements that add up to a personal look with feeling.

It takes time, energy and self-realization to cultivate a wardrobe that feels 100% you. But here’s the good news! Without realizing it you’ve already spent years experimenting with trends, admiring stylish people and collecting inspiration.

The goal of this series is to help you process all that info so you can get down to business and start cultivating your unique look.

ACTIVITY: Pinspiration

Step 2: Consider the 8 Style Archetypes Pinterest boards below and think about how each look makes you feel. Does the energy resonate or fall flat? Are there elements you love and others that don’t vibe?

Step 3: Pin whatever images resonate, don't think too hard about your identity vs. the Archetype or how skinny the model is compared to your body type (DISCLAIMER! Most are impossibly skinny. I tried.), we are reacting to energy, mood, feeling.

Step 4: Review your Style Archetype board. It is 100% likely you'll pick several looks from several boards, even if the Archetypes seem to conflict. Personal style is a melding of influences.

So Hot Back Then

While the fashion folk spent February and early March trying very hard to look chic in sleet, I chronicled their every move #IRL from the comfort of my smart device.

Here's the skinny on real time trend tracking: The looks the fashion girls wore last month to the Fall/Winter 2017 Collections reflect the aesthetic (and weather) of those shows - not necessarily what you will be wearing in April.

The trends you'll see in stores this Spring were actually inspired by the Spring/Summer 2017 shows and what the fashion girls wore to fashion week in September 2016.

While the fashion folk spent February and early March trying very hard to look chic in sleet, I chronicled their every move #IRL from the comfort of my smart device. Image credit | Collagevintage.com

Spring 2017 Street Style Trend Report

Not to get all political, but unless you live off the grid (lucky), you know we are in the throws of a collective value crisis. It's also playing out in street fashion. Across style archetypes, trends were informed by 3 disparate moods - sporty, sexy or sweet.

Minimalist: Sorbet Sweatshirt

Even when she's feeling sporty in a muted sweatshirt you'll never see the ever-clean, ever-simple Minimalist girl sweat. This Spring, pair a taupe Everlane tunic sweatshirt (you get to pick the price) over a pleated midi skirt for a nod to norm core street style.

Sexy Vibes

MappCraft | Spring '17 Street Style Trends: Full On Glam Corset

Full On Glam Corset

Remember back in January when women all over the planet marched in solidarity forequal rights? Well don't tell that to the Kardashian initiated corset trend. The notorious symbol of female suppression is having yet another fashion moment in Spring 2017. If you're into political subversion tactics, this reclaimed vintage leather open corset belt by ASOS would look really hot over a men's style dress shirt.

Free Spirit Strappy Bralette

I liken the sex appeal of this yoga inspired street wear trend to the sensual lines of dancer's pose rather than, you know, a dancer pole. Layer a open back tee over the seriously strappy Undone Bralette by Tobi and you're all set for festival season.

MappCraft | Spring '17 Street Style Trends: Edgy Fishnets

Edgy Fishnets

Like the corset, the Kardashian clan didn't invent the fishnet tight. Kim simply Instagramed an innocent shot wearing a pair under unbuttoned jeans (top left) and promptly reignited the hosiery market. Styling tip: Dip a toe in the trend by layering this pair by TOBI under distressed boyfriend jeans.

Spring 2017 Street Style Trends on Pinterest

Pssss... Follow my boards! 💋

Are you feeling sporty, sweet or sexy this Spring? Show me your looks!